Final win completes double for Olympiacos
Saturday, May 11, 2013
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After a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, two extra-time goals brought Olympiacos FC a 26th Greek Cup – and 16th domestic double – triumph at the expense of debutant finalists Asteras Tripolis FC.
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Olympiacos FC won their 26th Greek Cup in Athens on Saturday, scoring twice in extra time to overcome Asteras Tripolis FC.
The Erythrolefki, crowned league champions in March, were made to work hard by the first-time finalists. The sides were level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, but Olympiacos' experience won out and brought them a 16th domestic double.
The underdogs started brightly, Roy Carroll denying Pablo De Blasis with a fingertip save before Asteras' 14th-minute opener. Rubén Rayos' backheel found Emanuel Perrone, who teed up Ximo Navarro for a shot which Carroll could not hold. Rayos, lurking, tucked the rebound away.
Olympiacos, though, got back into the contest just before the break. Djamel Abdoun crossed from the left and David Fuster met the ball with a powerful volley to beat Márton Fülöp. The Pireaus team then forged ahead in the 99th minute. Juan Pablo Pino's corner was met by the head of Fuster and though Fülöp saved, substitute Rafik Djebbour finished off the loose ball.
The impressive Pino proved instrumental in Olympiacos' second extra-time goal, as his direct run was brought to an unfair halt by Sebastian Bartolini. Abdoun converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-1. "I'm really happy about the two trophies we won in the few months I have been at Olympiacos," said coach Míchel.
